A like from people or God?

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A like from people or God? What is (more) desirable?

In a digitally networked world in which social media play an increasingly important role, recognition by others is often measured in the form of likes, comments or follower numbers.

People seek validation in their online presences, their social environment, predominantly performance-oriented. But the question arises: is recognition from people really what fulfills us in the long term?

Or is it ultimately recognition by God that is of lasting value?

Longing for confirmation

The search for recognition is a fundamental human need. Humans are social beings by nature and perceive affirmation from others as a form of appreciation. In modern society, this is particularly evident through the use of social media. Every like or positive comment can boost self-esteem in the short term, while negative reactions or ignorance are often perceived as rejection.

From a biblical perspective, this longing for recognition has always been present. Jesus himself warned against doing his deeds out of a desire for human recognition. So in Matthew 6:1 to read "Be careful that you do not give your alms[1] in front of people to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." And Galatians 1:10 reaffirms "Am I speaking for the sake of people or for the sake of God? Or am I trying to please people? However, if I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ.„

Transient values of human recognition

While the approval of others brings short-term joy, the question remains: is it of lasting value? Social media is fast-moving: what is celebrated today may be forgotten tomorrow. The fixation on the opinions of others often leads to inner pressure, self-doubt and a dependence on external confirmation.

Today you still have over 1,000 "friends" in the various channels, tomorrow, when you really need a friend, there will be none left.

This shows Proverbs 29:25 aptly on " The fear of man is a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD is safe." and John 12:43 adds "For the honor of men was dearer to them than the honor of God.".

God's recognition - the eternal standard

In contrast to the fleeting approval of people, God's approval is eternal and unchanging. He not only sees our outward actions, but pays particular attention to our heart. His approval is not based on worldly performance, but on a genuine relationship with him.

In 1 Samuel 16:7 this is made clear once again "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or his stature, for I have rejected him. For [the LORD] does not look at what a man looks at; for a man looks at what is before his eyes, but the LORD looks at the heart!“.

And Colossians 3:23-24 gives the final recommendation "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward, because you serve Christ the Lord.„.

Seek God's approval!

In order to free ourselves from dependence on human confirmation, we can apply the following principles from the Bible, for example:

• Finding identity in Christ - Our value does not lie in the opinion of others, but in the fact that we are God's children, as we see in Romans 8:16-17 find confirmed "The Spirit himself bears witness together with our spirit that we are children of God.But if we are children, then we are also heirs, that is, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him."
• Living honesty and authenticity - Instead of conforming to please others, we should strive to represent ourselves and be sincere before God, according to the advice in Ephesians 6:6-7 "... not with eyeservice to please men, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; serving the Lord with good will and not men, ..."

• Putting long-term values above short-term recognition - Instead of seeking likes or praise from people, we should ask ourselves what is valuable in God's eyes. Matthew 6:19-20 what treasures we should lay up, not those that are perishable, but those that will last for eternity "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves dig and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal."

Conclusion

The longing for recognition is deeply rooted in us, but human approval is fleeting. Those who build their lives on this will often experience disappointment and insecurity.

The Bible teaches us that true fulfillment does not come from the affirmation of men, but from a relationship with God. His approval is constant, regardless of external circumstances, and leads to true peace and contentment.

The question remains: Are we still looking for likes from people or for the pleasure of God?